Teacher takes early retirement in memory of his brother
Wednesday, 11th December 2013.
Haverhill staff and pupils are saying farewell this week to a much-respected teacher.
After 17 years working in Haverhill schools, Colin Bailey has decided to retire at the age of 55.
Staff at Castle Manor Academy said Mr Bailey has maintained a cheerful disposition throughout his career and has educated and entertained classes and staffrooms alike.
Colin was himself a student at Place Farm before moving on to Castle Manor. He began teaching at Parkway Middle School in 1997 and moved to Castle Manor in 2011.
He has been popular among the students, not only in the maths classroom, but also in a variety of after school clubs and teams.
Colin said: “I can honestly say that in both schools, the students I have had the pleasure of teaching have been terrific. I have built really good relationships with them and I will miss them all.”
This year has proven to be a difficult time for Mr Bailey, who said: “Losing my brother Alan, also a teacher, made me re-think my own career pathway and how long I wish to remain in teaching.
"Alan always intended to retire at 55, but was unfortunately not able to make that choice. So I’m making that choice, in a way, for him.
"It has not been an easy decision for me to make as I have thoroughly enjoyed working in the town I grew up in.
“Castle Manor have been very supportive of my decision and I am grateful for the advice and guidance the school has given me in taking early retirement. It is a great place to work and I will miss all of the staff, particularly the maths team.”
Deputy head of school, Vanessa Whitcombe, said: “Colin has made an impact on thousands of children in his time teaching in Haverhill. He is held in exceptionally high regard by all of those young people and will be missed by us all. We know that he will stay in touch and wish him every success in his new adventures.”
After 17 years working in Haverhill schools, Colin Bailey has decided to retire at the age of 55.
Staff at Castle Manor Academy said Mr Bailey has maintained a cheerful disposition throughout his career and has educated and entertained classes and staffrooms alike.
Colin was himself a student at Place Farm before moving on to Castle Manor. He began teaching at Parkway Middle School in 1997 and moved to Castle Manor in 2011.
He has been popular among the students, not only in the maths classroom, but also in a variety of after school clubs and teams.
Colin said: “I can honestly say that in both schools, the students I have had the pleasure of teaching have been terrific. I have built really good relationships with them and I will miss them all.”
This year has proven to be a difficult time for Mr Bailey, who said: “Losing my brother Alan, also a teacher, made me re-think my own career pathway and how long I wish to remain in teaching.
"Alan always intended to retire at 55, but was unfortunately not able to make that choice. So I’m making that choice, in a way, for him.
"It has not been an easy decision for me to make as I have thoroughly enjoyed working in the town I grew up in.
“Castle Manor have been very supportive of my decision and I am grateful for the advice and guidance the school has given me in taking early retirement. It is a great place to work and I will miss all of the staff, particularly the maths team.”
Deputy head of school, Vanessa Whitcombe, said: “Colin has made an impact on thousands of children in his time teaching in Haverhill. He is held in exceptionally high regard by all of those young people and will be missed by us all. We know that he will stay in touch and wish him every success in his new adventures.”
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